galluses

A man adjusts his galluses before heading out.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Suspenders for trousers: "galluses" refers to straps worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers, typically used in informal or regional American English. This word is often considered dialectal or old-fashioned.

Usage Examples

• Noun (plural):
  • He wore a pair of galluses to keep his pants from falling down. (Straps over the shoulders for holding up trousers.)
  • My grandfather always used galluses instead of a belt. (Suspenders preferred over a belt.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have one's galluses": To be in a state of being supported or held up, often used humorously.
  • After losing weight, his galluses were too loose. (His suspenders no longer fit properly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gallus (singular, informal): A single suspender strap; rarely used alone.
  • One gallus broke, so he had to use a safety pin. (One strap of the suspenders broke.)

Synonyms

• Suspenders: The standard term for straps holding up trousers.
• Braces: British English term for suspenders.

Related Idioms

• "Pull up one's galluses": To prepare for action or to show determination.
  • He pulled up his galluses and got to work. (He prepared himself and began working.)